V/ 



/'S ^— ^ 



Copyright, American Gymnastic Union, 1919. 



>74 



The Work 

of the 

Turner Societies 

(American Gymnastic Union) 



A CATECHISM BY 

ERNST A. WEIER 




Published by 
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

AMERICAN GYMNASTIC UNION 

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 



~ M 



%w 



EXPLANATORY NOTE. 

THE words "turn" (to practice 
or perform gymnastic exer- 
cises), "turner" (member of a 
turnverein), "turning," "turnver- 
ein," "turnhall," are fully accepted 
terms of the American language. 

(See Webster's International Dictionary.) 

"Turnerism" designates the 
"idea," that is, the essential nature 
or character of the American Gym- 
nastic Union. 



NOV 21 1919 

©CI.A535888 



<r^ 






-51 



American Turnerism 



Just a Plain Question — What Is Turnerism? 



"Turnerism" means a System of Education, com- 
bining Rational Physical and Mental Development for 
the express purpose of strengthening the National 
power and fostering true patriotism. True patriotism 
stands for the preservation of Democracy and the at- 
tainment and maintenance of political, economic, re- 
ligious and personal liberty. This system of education 
and these political principles are today and always 
have been promulgated and promoted by the American 
Gymnastic Union. 



Tnrnerisin 
Defined. 



Gymnastics 
In Ancient 
Greece. 



Was There Any Systematic Physical Training 
Before Turnerism? 

Systematic and methodical physical training for 
the purpose of gaining strength, agility, health, grace 
and beauty, is known in the history of nations as Phy- 
sical Education. Its highest development was reached 
in Ancient Greece, which attained a complete Nation- 
al gymnastic system of great value. 

In Ancient Rome physical training never became a 
part of popular education. It was used solely for 
military purposes. Physical training of the Roman 
soldiers created those formidable legions which se- 
cured Rome's world domination. 

In the days of Knighthood physical training be- when 
came the prerogative of the knights, to whom strength, Knighthood 
agility and endurance were indispensable. Flower. 

Page Five 



Military Drill 
in Ancient 
Rome. 



D 



Decadence 
of Physical 

Education. 



Renascence 
of Physical 
Education 



The invention of gunpowder and the change in 
warfare, together with the prevailing asceticism, pro- 
moted a long period of physical degeneration, during 
which physical education was entirely forgotten. A 
partial revival came with the Reformation, but the 
progress was very slow until the beginning of the nine- 
teenth century with the advent of Turnerism. 



A People 
Outraged 
and 

Disgraced. 



Traitorous 
Princes 
fawning; 
before the 
Usurper. 



The Call out 
of the 
Wilderness. 



> 



His Voice fell 
pleasing: on 
the Gars of 
the People. 



> 



The Prophecy 
fulfilled. 



What Causes Led to the Promulgation of Tur- 
nerism? 

After the battle of Jena, 1806, the German people 
faced a dark pit of National humiliation and con- 
tumely. The "Holy Roman Empire of the German 
Nation" had come to an ignominous end. Divided in- 
to small and impotent principalities, all of which gov- 
erned by politically and morally degenerate princes, 
Germany was at the mercy of Napoleon. 

The princes fawned for the favors of the Corsican, 
the National spirit was dead, even the language was 
endangered. But deep in the hearts of the common 
people still smoldered the embers of true patriotism. 

In this emergency a High School teacher of Berlin, 
Frederick Ludwig Jahn, published a book on "Nation- 
ality." He held, that rejuvenation and restoration 
were possible only through the youth of the land. He 
strenuously advocated a rational physical education, 
designed to arouse the patriotic sentiments. 

The book struck home and everywhere the idea was 
discussed. Jahn perfected his system of education and 
in 1811 opened his Public Out-door Gymnasium in the 
Hasenheide, Berlin. (This was the first public play- 
ground in the world.) The children flocked to him in 
masses, and at the same time educators throughout the 
land followed his example. In a few months the 
Turner Societies spread to every city, town and hamlet 
of the country. The wars of liberation ensued. On 
October 18, 1813, the battle of Leipsic was fought and 
Napoleon driven out of Germany. Jahn and his dis- 
ciples were the first to volunteer. He served as 
Captain with the daring Luetzow's Wild Hunters. 

Page Six 



What Was Jahn's First System of Physical Edu- 
cation? 

Jahn divided his system into three groups, namely : 

1. Elective Exercises. This group was designed 
to give each Turner an opportunity to perfect himself 
in exercises for which he was physically best equipped, 
such as Running, Jumping, Vaulting, Climbing, Swim- 
ming, Fencing and the higher forms of apparatus 
work. 

2. Obligatory Class Gymnastics. In this group 
every Turner, as the pupils were called, had to par- 
ticipate. The instruction embraced every form of 
free exercises, orderly exercises, setting-up and march 
drills and the lighter forms of apparatus work. 

3. Games. Jahn considered Games of the highest 
importance. Every Turner had to participate and joy- 
fully did so. The games were designed to develop 
alertness, quick judgment, rapidity of decision and 
action, and especially to create an optimistic spirit, 
susceptible of patriotic fervor. Songs of country and 
home interspersed these games. 

Furthermore, every lesson began with a patriotic 
song, followed by a short patriotic talk on some topic 
of the day. Each lesson closed with a patriotic song. 



Elective 

Exercises, 



Class 

Gymnastics. 



Healtlifal 
Flay. 



Songs and 
noble words 
elevate and 
ennoble 
tbe inind. 



What Became of Turnerism After the Wars of 
Liberation? 

After the war the Turner societies immediately re- 
sumed their activity, and the people reviewed their 
political affairs. They began to clamor for their part 
in the fruits of the war. They demanded a Democratic 
constitution, more political rights, and more freedom 
of thought and action. 

Jahn personally was not a revolutionist. He was 
an outspoken Germanist and dreamed the dream of 
German unity. This prophetic dream found its ful- 
filment 60 years later with the close of the German- 
Franco War in 1871, 19 years after Jahn's death. 

Page Seven 



The fanlt, 
dear Brutus, 
is not in onr 
stars, bat in 
ourselves, 
that we are 
underlings, 



Jahn not 
a Revo- 
lutionist. 



withont 
Trial. 



Jahn's disciples, however, wanted Unity with Liberty. 
"Liberty" for the people was not in the program of 
the King of Prussia, nor in that of any of the other 
princes. In 1819 the king put a ban on Turnerism, the 
playgrounds and gymnasiums were closed. Jahn was 
Five Years arrested as a Democratic demagogue, and held a pris- 

w**?,o^f eons oner for five y ears until his trial in 1824 - Then he 

was found "not guilty" and released. Notwithstand- 
ing this verdict the king issued a special order, under 
which Jahn was not permitted to reside in Berlin, or 
within 10 miles of it, nor in any other University city, 
but was to be interned under police surveillance in a 
town of his own choice. In "grateful" consideration 
of his services to his country, Jahn was paid his salary 
of $1000 per year as a Professor of history, but not 
permitted to teach history nor turnerism. 

Such is the gratitude of kings. Jahn selected Frei- 
burg on the Unstrut and lived there until his death in 
1852, long enough to see his life work come to honor. 



The Grace 
and 

Gratitude 
of Kings. 



When and How Was the Ban of Turnerism 
Lifted? 



The 
Chained 
Liberator. 

The Revival 
of Tnr- 
nerisni 
under 

Monarchical 
Control. 



The Spirit of 
Democracy. 



Jahn's Light 

Dimmed. 



From 1819 to 1842 the institution, which had 
secured the liberation of the country, lay dormant 
under the ban. In 1842 the new king of Prussia came 
to the conclusion, that it might be better to utilize and 
control Turnerism than to prohibit it. The ban was 
lifted and physical education made a part of public in- 
struction. Physical training was also merged into the 
military drill. 

Turner societies were rehabilitated, and soon the 
old spirit of Democracy blossomed forth stronger than 
ever. The Turners became the leaders and the fight- 
ers in the German revolution of 1848. 

Jahn, the leader of 1811, however, was not up to 
the revolutionary spirit of 1848. The ambitions of the 
revolutionists were strange to him. He felt himself 
to be misunderstood and his enlightened leadership be- 
came a record of the past. 

Page Eight 



When and Through Whom Came Turnerism First «^^ 

to the United States? 

Dr. Karl Beck, Dr. Karl L. Pollen and Dr. Franz Tliree Real 
Lieber, three pupils, disciples and co-workers of Jahn, Men- 
were the first pioneers of Turnerism in America. All Germans 
three fought in the German wars of liberation and be- Raised as 
came victims of the reaction, when the people de- Exemplary 

manded liberty. Americans. 

Beck and Follen came to the United States in 1824. Dy Karl 
Dr. Beck, together with the famous American histo- Beck 
rian George Bancroft, opened a Boys' School in North- 
ampton,' Mass., in connection with which he established 
a gymnasium according to Jahn's system. He also 
wrote the first Manual of Jahn's Turnerism in the 
English language. Then he became Professor of Latin 
language and literature at Harvard University and 
later devoted himself to literary pursuits. Dr. Beck 
became very wealthy, but when Lincoln called to arms, 
he was one of the first to volunteer as private soldier. F j^. st l A n tlk ^ 
Refused because of his age, he spent enormous sums every 
of money in equipping soldiers for the cause of Na- graceful 
tional Unity in America. 

Dr. Karl L. Follen was first employed in Beck's Dr. Karl l,. 
Round Hill School, but was called to Harvard Univer- Follen ' 
sity as teacher of German. Here he at once intro- 
duced Gymnastics for the students and established the 
first gymnasium. He also opened an out-door gym- 
nasium to the public in Boston. In 1830 he became 
Professor of German Language and Literature at 
Harvard. Still later he was ordained as Unitarian 
minister. He was one of the most forceful writers 
and orators of the Abolition movement. 

Franz Lieber came in 1827, three years after his Dp Prana; 
friends. He established a swimming school in Boston iAeber. 
and taught physical culture in Follen's gymnasium. 
Prominent and influential Americans opened other 
fields for him. In 1832 he published his first great 
work "Encyclopedia Americana" in 13 volumes, which 
established his reputation. Lieber became one of the 
greatest American authorities on International Rela- 
tions and Law. Many of his "Manuals" are still used 

Page Nine 



Ahead of 
their Time. 



? 



Revolutionary 
Exiles. 



The First 
Tnrnverein 
in the 
United 
States. 



From its 
Inception an 

American 
Institution. 



in Universities. His services to the United States were 
manifold. This man, most shamefully treated by the 
king of Prussia, became a most valuable asset to his 
adopted country. 

The efforts of these men, Beck, Follen and Lieber, 
to establish Turnerism in the United States, failed, be- 
cause the conditions were not ripe. Just as soon as 
these men had to give up their schools for greater 
work, the schools failed, because there was no one to 
take up the work. 

The Final Establishment of Turnerism in the 
United States? 

Crushed in blood, the revolution of 1848 brought 
to the United States the most desirable emigrants from 
Germany. The refugees came in many thousands to 
the land of freedom. Among them were Frederick 
Hecker, the head of the revolution; Franz Sigel, the 
military leader of the revolutionary forces; Carl 
Schurz and many others, whose names are favorably 
known in American history. Hecker suggested to his 
friends in Cincinnati, most of whom were Turners, 
the formation of a Turnverein. The Cincinnati Turn- 
gemeinde, founded in November, 1848, is the first and 
eldest society of this kind in the United States. Tur- 
nerism in the United States is an offspring of the Ger- 
man Revolution in 1848. It was founded by the ad- 
vocates of Democracy, who, rather than abandon their 
ideals, gave up the country of their birth. 

The example of the Cincinnati Turners was 
emulated in many other cities. Quite a number of or- 
ganizations soon formed a National body and par- 
ticipated in their way in National affairs. Although 
originally German, and for a long time a sort of haven 
and anchoring place of the German emigrants, the 
Turnverein was from the beginning, in a National 
sense, thoroughly American. One of the first laws was 
and is, that no man can become a member of a Turn- 
verein, unless he is a citizen of the United States, or 
has declared his intention to become one. This rule is 
rigidly enforced, and there are no exceptions to the 
same. 

Page Ten 



The Turner societies in the United States acted as 
Americanization agencies. All of them maintained 
night and Sunday schools, in which American history, 
American constitution and laws and other subjects 
were taught. 



The Democratic institutions of the United States 
appealed strongly to all Turners. Their services in 
the defense of these institutions during the Civil War 
constitute a fine chapter in their history. In later 
years the Turners confined themselves mainly to the 
advancement of physical education in America, and 
advocating certain political demands in the cause of 
true Democracy.* It must, however, be stated, that 
the advancement of "political demands" always was 
purely educational. The American Gymnastic Union 
never participated in party politics. 

The organization asserted that in a Republic with- 
out standing armies, the man-power of the nation must 
be maintained through a rational system of physical 
training of the youth. They were animated by the 
idea, that physical education should be made the "com- 
mon good of the American nation," and strove to 
introduce it into the elementary and secondary schools, 
in which it prevailed for the benefit of the masses of 
our great commonwealth. 

Many of the original Turners took up the pioneer 
life in this country. Thousands of them became suc- 
cessful farmers. New Ulm, Minn., once destroyed 
by the Indians, was one of the Western Turner col- 
onies at the outposts of civilization. These German 
exiles gave to the United States the best that was in 
them, in all walks of life. 



Let our 
Object be 
Our 

Country— 
and nothing: 
but Our 
Country. 

They Demon- 
strated 
their 
Burning* 
Zeal for 
Liberty. 



Earth is here 
so kind. 
Just tickle 
it with a 
hoe, and she 
laughs with 
a harvest. 



* Among the "Political Demands," originally made and 
advocated by the American Turners before any other organi- 
zations took them up, were the following: The Secret Ballot, 
the Referendum, the Initiative, the Recall, the Direct Election 
of United States Senators by the people, Proportional Repre- 
sentation, International Arbitration and Conciliation. Some 
of these demands were made as early as 1870; all of them 
were reaffirmed in 1878. 



Page Eleven 



Liike— l>ut oil, 
how 
different. 



American 
Hospitality 
Filling them 
with 
Gladness. 



A Free 

Country 
without a 
Dynasty. 



Is There Any Difference in the Character of 
Turnerism in the United States and That of 
Germany? 

The difference is very pronounced.* Since the 
lifting of the ban on Turnerism in Germany, the 
institution has been fostered and controlled by the 
Government in the Public schools, in the Colleges 
and Universities, and especially in the Military and 
Naval organization. The Turnvereins all over the 
country, while independent of the Government, could 
not free themselves from the influence of the enthusi- 
astic supporters of the Monarchical Government. 
While the more radical element of the Turner Societies 
kept up the demand for more "Political Freedom" and 
"Personal Liberty/' 4 still the extreme nationalists al- 
ways prevailed.** 

American Turnerism, on the other hand, developed 
in a different manner. Its pioneers and founders 
came to the United States still bleeding from the 
wounds which the Monarchical Government had in- 
flicted upon them. On this side of the ocean they 
found in full measure what they had fought for on 
the other side. Here they found National Unity, 
Political Liberty and Freedom of Conscience. 

Their intense hatred of the Monarchical institu- 
tions in the country of their birth was supplanted by 
unbounded love for the Democratic institutions in the 
country of their adoption. At once they made the 
newly-found love manifest. The Abolitionist move- 



* As early as 1872 the National Executive Committee of 
the American Gymnastic Union took occasion to announce 
that there was absolutely no homogeniety between American 
and German Turnerism. In its independent form of organi- 
zation, its constitution, its general principles and its practices, 
Turnerism in the United States was declared to be unequiv- 
ocally American. 

** "Personal Liberty" must in this case be taken to cover 
the term "Liberty of Conscience." Our conception of "Per- 
sonal Liberty" is, that there can be no Liberty of Conscience 
if one is forced to feel, to think or to act differently from 
the dictates of his own individual conscience. 



Page Twelve 



ment appealed strongly to their sentiments. They 
furthered it in every way possible. That "ail men 
are born free and equal" was applied by them with 
equal force to the black man.* 

When the Civil War came, the Turners at once 
forgot all else to serve their adopted country. They 
fully understood the issues of the war. Not only the 
humanitarian issue of emancipation, but also the po- 
litical issue of "National Unity" determined their 
spontaneous action. Under the slogan, "The Union 
Forever," they took the blood baptism for their coun- 
try. Their "Revolutionary" leaders in the country of 
their birth, became their Generals and Captains in the 
patriotic defense of the unity of their adopted country. 
(Hecker, Sigel, Schurz, Willich, and many, many 
others.) The record of the Turner regiments in the 
Civil War is an heroic page in the history of the war. 
Over 75% of all Turners in the United States were 
in active service. 



liberty and 
Union— now 
and forever, 
one and 
inseparable. 



In Records 
that defy 
the teeth 
of time 



* There was a time when the great Abolitionists, such as 
Wendell Phillips, could not rent a hall to speak in. The 
churches were closed against them. But the Turner Halls 
were wide open — free of charge. More than that : the Turners 
with guns over their shoulders, stood on guard and protected 
the speakers. Opposite the residence of Wendell Phillips in 
Boston, was a printing office, owned by a Turner. Every 
night for many months the Turners came from the Boston 
Turnverein and made this office their guard-house from which 
they protected the Phillips residence. Several times Mr. 
Phillips' life was saved by the guard. 

In Baltimore, the Turner Hall was burned down by a mob, 
because the Turners refused to remove the Stars and Stripes 
and hoist the Rebel flag. 

In St. Louis, the Turners took it upon themselves to storm 
and capture Camp Jackson with the arsenal. This episode 
saved Missouri for the Union. 

Wherever Lincoln spoke on his tours, the Turners formed 
secret guards for his safety. With all this, they firmly held 
that the emancipation of the black man should be achieved 
by enlightenment and not by force of arms. But when the 
South threatened the unity of the Nation, in order to pre- 
serve slavery, the Turners were not too proud to fight. Con- 
sisting almost entirely of Turners, there were 21 regiments 
of infantry, two regiments of cavalry, and two batteries of 
artillery in the Civil War. 

Page Thirteen 



Ah, why 
should Life 
all Labor he? 



He is a 
Freeman, 

whom the 
Truth 
makes Free. 

Every 
Citizen a 
Sovereign. 



The Social Question of course interested the Tur- 
ners intensely. Recognizing that in our Republic the 
means of peaceable work for progress are at hand, and 
further, that social problems cannot be solved over 
night or by force, the Turners proclaimed as their 
motto: "Evolution — not Revolution.'' As pioneers 
of progressive thought in all political, economic, social 
and religious matters the Turners stand unwaveringly. 
A Turnverein cannot be made a playground of revolu- 
tionary activities, nor a kindergarten for partisan poli- 
tics. The Turners stand for the ennoblement of the 
human race, for broad-minded liberation of human- 
kind from all force, bigotry and superstition, for the 
truly Democratic development of the State, for the 
rational education of the youth to true and efficient 
citizenship of the Republic. Strongly individualistic, 
the Turner desires a republic, in which each citizen 
is truly sovereign, but in which the welfare of All 
stands higher than the advantage of individuals, 



Give the 
world the 
best you 
have, and 
the best 
comes back 
to you. 



The Recon- 
struction of 
the A. G. U. 



> 



The 
Original 

"Turn 
Leaders." 



What Progress Was Made by Turnerism After 
the Civil War? 

The end of the Civil War brought to the American 
Turners the achievement of the political ideals, for 
which they had fought : the Union was preserved, the 
issue of emancipation successfully concluded. Now 
they had plenty of time to look after their other 
purposes. 

First of all a reconstruction of all the Turner So- 
cieties became necessary. In 1865 the National organi- 
zation was reorganized under the name of "The North 
American Gymnastic Union." (The word "North" has 
since been dropped.) A spontaneous growth set in. 
At this time there were very few trained gymnastic 
teachers in this country, and the leadership in physical 
training was mainly in the hands of Turners, who had 
received their training in the old country. These 
"leaders" imparted their knowledge as a labor of love, 
and earned their livelihood in other callings. The self- 
sacrificing activity of these young men deserves un- 
limited praise. 

Page Fourteen 



The Normal 
College of 
the A. G. U. 



With the growth of the societies this became an The Normal 
unsatisfactory condition, especially in view of the Gymnastic 
agitation for the introduction of Physical Education in Teachers 
the Public Schools. The result was the establishment 
of the Normal School for Gymnastic Teachers in 
New York City, 1866. From a small beginning the 
school developed into an educational institution of 
highest rank. Since 1907 it is permanently located at 
Indianapolis under the name "The Normal College 
of the American Gymnastic Union." The College is 
accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education. 

The Normal College comprises the following de- 
partments : 

First, the department of Theory and Practice of T plptments. 
Physical Training. 

Second, the department of Anatomy, Physiology and 
Hygiene. 

Third, the department of Letters and General 
Science. 

Each department is headed by a Dean, the three 
Deans constituting the Administrative Board of the 
Faculty, which embraces at present 27 part-time pro- 
fessors. The following courses are offered : 

A four-year course leading to the degree of 
Bachelor of Science in Gymnastics (B. S. G.) and to 
certification as Teacher of Physical Training for Col- 
leges and Universities. 

Graduate courses leading to the degree of Master 
of Science in Gymnastics (M. S. G.). 

A two-year course leading to the title of Graduate 
in Gymnastics (G. G.) and to certification as Teacher 
of Physical Training for Elementary and Higher 
Public schools. 

An elementary one-year course, open only to Tur- 
ners of highest proficiency in gymnastics and meeting 
other educational requirements. Graduates in this 
course receive a certificate qualifying them to teach 
gvmnastics in schools maintained by societies of the 
A. G. U. 

Page Fifteen 



The different 
College 
Courses. 



Degrees 
obtainable 
in the 
College, 



Elementary, 
Special and 
Summer 
Courses. 



A Contribu- 
tion to 

Education, 



There are further other Special Courses and Sum- 
mer Courses. The equipment of the college is of high- 
est efficiency. , 

The Normal College has graduated up to 1919, 
over 600 teachers of gymnastics of all grades. Among 
these graduates are most of the recognized authorities 
on physical education in the United States.* 

This Normal School maintained by the membership 
of the A. G. U. is indeed no small contribution to the 
educational endeavors of the land. About 250 male 
and 150 female teachers of gymnastics who graduated 
from the Normal College, are at present employed in 
public schools. 



Membership 
and Par- 
ticipation. 



Properties 
and 

Investments 



What is the Present Status of the Organization? 

The American Gymnastic Union consists at present 
of 23 Territorial Districts with 194 Societies; 75 of 
these societies have existed for more than 50 years. 
There are about 50,000 members (men and women) 
over 18 years of age, and 22,000 (youths and chil- 
dren) below 18 years. 38,000 persons (members and 
pupils) participate in the gymnastic schools of the 
societies. 

Almost all the societies are incorporated, and 148 
of them own their buildings and gymnasia. The total 
property of the societies amounts to over $13,000,000, 
which is in its entirety devoted to educational purposes. 



* To mention just a few : Lieut.-Col. Herman Koehler, 
Director of Physical Training, United States Military Acad- 
emy, West Point, N. Y. ; Dr. E. Herman Arnold, Director 
of New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics; Alvin E. 
Kindervater, Supervisor of Physical Training, Public Schools, 
St. Louis; Richard Pertuch, Director of Physical Training, 
Turngemeinde, Philadelphia; Emil Rath, President of Normal 
College of the A. G. U., Indianapolis, Ind. ; Wm. A. Stecher, 
Supervisor of Physical Training, Public Schools, Phila- 
delphia ; Henry Suder, Supervisor Physical Training, Chicago ; 
Dr. Carl Ziegler, Supervisor of Physical Training, Public 
Schools, Cincinnati ; George Wittieh, Supervisor of Physical 
Training, Public Schools, Milwaukee, Wis. ; Wm. Reuter, 
Supervisor of Physical Education in Davenport, Iowa, and 
many others. 

Page Sixteen 






All societies maintain schools for physical train- 
ing. Most of the societies have lecture courses and 
debating clubs. The larger societies, and sometimes 
the districts, establish from time to time "Leaders' 
Courses. " Many of the societies have swimming pools 
and swimming schools, also summer camps. There is 
no legitimate sport or other physical activity, which is 
not taken care of in a rational manner. 

The affairs of the American Gymnastic Union are 
administered by thoroughly democratic methods. The 
executive power rests in the National Executive Com- 
mittee, now in Indianapolis, Indiana. National Con- 
ventions of Delegates from all Districts and Societies 
are held every second year. The great National'Gym- 
nastic Festivals are held every fourth year. 

The Districts arrange Gymnastic Festivals, Field 
Days, Physical and Mental Tournaments on their own 
initiative. All these activities, however, can only be 
conducted according to rules and regulations, based on 
scientific investigations and approved in the National 
conventions. All matters pertaining to physical educa- 
tion are solved by the National Committee on Physical 
Training, composed of physical educators of the 
highest rank. Conventions of gymnastic teachers 
employed by the A. G. U., are called from time to time 
to discuss physical training matters and report on 
same. These teachers are organized, and affiliated 
with the American Physical Education Association as 
the A. G. U. Teachers' Section. 

The Physical Training Classes are graduated ac- 
cording to age of participants, as follows: 

Business Men's Class from about 35 to 80 years. 

Married Ladies' Class. 

1st, 2nd and 3rd Ladies' Classes for single ladies 
(16 years and over), grouped according to 
physical efficiency. 

Seniors — from 18 to 35 years. 

Juniors — from 14 to 18 years. 

1st Boys' Class — 6 to 9 years. 

2nd Boys' Class — 9 to 12 years. 

3rd Boys' Class — 12 to 14 years. 

Three Girls' Classes — Same as boys. 

Individual instruction is given when hygienic or 

Orthopedic reasons demand it. Page Seventeen 



Educational 
Efforts 
of the 
Societies. 



Swiinniing 
Pools and 
Summer 
Camps. 



National 
Conventions 
and 

National 
Gymnastic 
Festivals. 



The Applied 
Science of 
Physical 

Education, 



Teachers of 
Gymnastics 
are 

organized 
for creative 
worlc. 



Physical 

Training: 
Classes. 



Tlie 
Curriculum . 



The curriculum embraces every form of Calis- 
thenics, Gymnastics and Athletics. Special instruc- 
tion is given in Fencing, Boxing, Wrestling, Swim- 
ming, and other activities if desired. The funda- 
mentals of these arts are taught in the general classes. 

The progress of participants is carefully noted, and 
any shortcomings corrected. All rules of Hygiene are 
rigidly observed. 



Good 
Citizens 
first, then 
good sol- 
diers are 
easily made. 



There is 
nothing that 
niaices its 
way more 
directly to 
the soul 
than beauty. 



Self- Assertion 
versus 
Self- 
Abnegation. 



Turnerism versus Militarism. 

Turnerism aims to create a better and more ef- 
ficient type of citizen. Military Drill aims to create 
the most efficient type of soldier. But — let us not for- 
get it — the advocates of Turnerism claim, that the 
greater purpose of the one includes the lesser purpose 
of the other. And history bears out this contention.* 

Turnerism in its exercises tempers rigorousness 
with flexibility. It fosters the esthetical — it strives 
for rhythm, harmony and beauty. 

Military drill is inexorable in rigorousness, and has 
no particular use for the beautiful. 

Participants in Turner exercises act voluntarily for 
collective benefits and retain their individuality. Parti- 
cipants in military drill are part of a collective unit 
and lose their individuality. (This is one of the 
reasons why school bovs should not be given military 
drill.) 



* In the American Selective Draft at the entry of the 
World's War, only 6.8 per cent of the men who were mem- 
bers of Turnvereins were rejected, while of the men without 
previous physical training, 33.2 were rejected. Turners who 
were accepted as soldiers invariably withstood the rigors of 
the service better than their less prepared comrades; they 
soon became teachers of their squads and proved of great help 
in putting the raw recruits into shape. Very few of the 
former Turners returned from the war without advancement 
in their rank. The officers easily detected the Turners in their 
commands and entrusted them with special work, requiring 
better physical and mental equipment. 

Page Eighteen 



Precept* 
rather tHan 
Principles. 



Great is 
Truth and 
mighty 
above all 
thing's. 



In What Manner Do the Turners Promote Their 
"Declaration of Principles?" 

"Free thought, free speech, free action" is a con- 
spicuous maxim of Turnerism. The general principles 
of the American Gymnastic Union were not pro- 
mulgated as a platform of a political party or sect, 
obligating its members. They are intended as guide- 
posts for the conduct of members as citizens of the 
Republic. Not to establish certain tenets in the minds 
of the members, but rather to arrive at fundamental 
truths in all things, is the endeavor. 

The honest opinion of an honest man, honestly and 
intelligently expressed, is certain to be respected in all 
Turner circles, even if it involves a criticism of any 
of the principles. In the immediate affairs of Turner- 
ism itself the Democratic majority rule prevails. But 
that need not discourage the minority, because the 
Turners acknowledge, that the force of all really pro- 
gressive ideas is invincible. 

The cosmopolitan aphorism of the ancient Roman : 
''Homo sum, nil humani a me alienum puto" (I am a 
man, and what concerns humanity, concerns me) ex- 
presses the mental attitude of the Turners. 

Lectures, discussions and debates of not only the 
general principles, but of all public questions, ought to 
be and generally are a part of the work of a Turn- 
verein. All members are given an equal opportunity 
to teach and to learn, to formulate own opinions, to 
express and to defend them intelligently. 

The National organization as well as all the dis- 
tricts and all the societies have special committees on 
mental training to conduct and superintend this feature 
of Turnerism. 

The National Committee on Mental Training pre- to help 
pares and submits to all affiliated societies from time 
to time, a number of General Topics for discussion 
and debate. These topics refer to timely problems, 
and all fields of human thought are drawn upon, 
Philosophy, Science, Art, Political and Social Eco- 
nomy, etc. Only partisan politics and sectarian re- 
Pa^* Nineteen 



In the 
Service of 

Humanity. 



Learn to 

demonstrate 
what yon 
know. 



build up a 
mentally 
and physi- 
cally free 
Humanity. 



The Right 
Hand of 
Fellowship. 



ligion are tabooed. This has been done since 1898 and 
about 220 different topics have been issued up to this 
time. 

In Social life the American Turners are partial to 
jollity, good will, and good humor. They are stead- 
fast friends and helpful comrades. They like to enjoy 
life. 



Don't pat us 
on the 
back, bnt 
shake us 
by the hand. 



A fair witness 
to the 
Turner 
Cause. 



They gave 
the best 
they had. 



In What Manner Has the American Nation Been 
Benefited by Turnerism Up to This Time? 

Turners are not given to claims or assertions. They 
rather prefer to let their actions speak for themselves. 

The Government of the United States and all pro- 
minent educational authorities fully recognize the 
merits of the Turner movement. Rational physical 
training becomes year by year more and more a part 
of public education. So does the public playground. 

More than twenty years ago a prominent American 
authority on education, Professor M. D. Learned, of 
Philadelphia, made a thorough investigation of Tur- 
nerism, German as well as American, and became and 
has been since an enthusiastic admirer of the institu- 
tion. In an essay, issued 1897, Professor Learned, 
very conservatively and making only what he terms 
"saf e" statements, gives Turnerism credit as follows : 

"Firstly, the German Turners gave to America a 
system of gymnastics, which laid the foundation for 
the all engrossing institution of American athletics and 
particularly that form of athletics which centers about 
the new college gymnasiums.* 

* In 1898 Dr. E. M. Hartwell conducted a thorough inves- 
tigation of physical education in the United States. In his 
report to the United States Commissioner of Education he 
states: "Neither the colleges nor the athletic organizations 
of the country have earned the right to speak with authority 
on the question of what constitutes a well-ordered system of 
physical training for schools." He further contended that 
only the Turners were prepared to speak with knowledge and 
act with intelligence in this matter. The promotion of physical 
education in the public schools, and also of the public play- 
ground movement, has ever been, and is today, one of the 
cherished aims of the American Gymnastic Union. 

Page Twenty 



"Secondly, the Turners have constituted a strong 
bulwark of National defense in times when rowdyism 
and other forms of disorder threatened the lives of 
defenseless citizens, their discipline filling the place ir 
many instances of well organized troops of militia. 

"Thirdly, the Turners set the noble example of be- 
ing in the first ranks of Americans in the abolition of 
the institution of slavery. This was preeminently their 
first mission in America. They came with a burning 
zeal for liberty, but recognized that the only sure 
avenue to freedom was along the lines of popular en- 
lightenment and only in the last issue to resort to arms. 
This is an unwritten chapter in the history of the great 
war of secession. The stimulus to the heroism of 
many a bold German, who sacrificed his life for the 
freedom of the negro is traceable to the precept and 
example of the early Turners of the school of Father 
Jahn. 



A Bulwark 
against 
Rowdyism, 



Wherever 
yokes and 
chains are 
broken. 

Does proudly 
wave the 
Turner's 
token. 



They were 
taught how 
to live, 
they knew 
how to die. 



"Fourthly, the Turner movement has stood and still A c ^ c °k es u ^ 
stands for the right of the individual, for the freedom Abuses of 
of thought and conscience, and the presence of such T ^»erty. 
organizations in the land of liberty is a wholesome 
check upon many abuses to which republics are likely 
to fall a prey." 



What is the Turners' Attitude Towards Women's 
Rights and Suffrage? 



The Turners believe that the right to vote is in- 
herent in citizenship without regard to sex or color. 
Economically, women ought to be given the same 
rights and duties as men. While the Turners recog- 
nize the women's right to vote they do not anticipate 
great results from the same. In fact, they believe, that 
the changes thereby effected in the Republic's political 
and moral life will be quite insignificant. There will 
be more votes, but not better votes, nor will there be 
worse votes. After all, women are just human beings 
like men with the same traits, good and bad in about 
the same proportion. 

Page Twenty-one 



The vote 
that shakes 
the turrets 
of the land. 



Their ready 
help is 
always 
niffh. 



Almost every society of the American Gymnastic 
Union has a Women's Auxiliary. These auxiliaries 
are of great benefit and are much appreciated. The 
Turners cannot do and achieve the same results with- 
out them, Women have the right and privilege to be- 
come full-pledged members of any Turner society. 
They seldom exercise this right, but prefer the mem- 
bership in the Ladies' Auxiliaries. Recently these 
Auxiliaries have also formed a National organization. 



What is the Difference Between a Gymnasium 
Pure and Simple and the Gymnasium of the 
Turners ? 



They are full 
of good 
work. 



The Turners are the very last to disparage the 
work of the various Athletic Clubs or that of gym- 
nasiums of the Y. M. C. A. and kindred institutions. 
In fact, some of these are excellently equipped and are 
a great boon to many people. As far as the physical 
exercises are concerned, there is comparatively little 
difference, as these exercises are derived from the 
Jahn system. Many of the teachers employed in the 
institutions are graduates of the Normal College of 
the American Gymnastic Union. 



A purpose 
firm is 
equal to the 
deed. 



The difference is again in the purpose, in the aims 
and objects. One might say, the purpose of the Tur- 
ners is altruistic, while the purpose of the other in- 
stitutions is egoistic. For instance, the Athletic Clubs 
advocate and practice Physical Exercises for the bene- 
fit of the individual. The Turners advocate and prac- 
tice Physical Education for communal benefits. (Al- 
ways remember, of course, that the greater purpose 
includes the lesser.) The Athletic Club trains the in- 
dividual, the Turners train the masses. The masses, 
of course, always include individuals, who excel in cer- 
tain exercises, and that accounts for the fact, that the 



Page Twenty-two 



Turners can always enter a contest with the Athletes 
and carry off their share of the honors.* 



What is the Ultimate Goal of American Tur- 
nerism? 

The goal of American Turnerism will be achieved, 
when every boy in the United States and every girl 
for that matter, receives the education which aims to 
make him or her physically, mentally and morally 
sound — an education quite as advantageous for peace 
as for war. 



Mens sana in 

eorpore lano. 



The physical training of Turnerism develops mind ^eartl^teaa- 
and character as well as body. Such training counts fast as oak «- 
heavily in war, but it counts still more in the produc- 
tion of cheerful, efficient and peace-loving citizens. 



Let us, then, be up and doing, 

With a heart for any fate; 
Still achieving, still pursuing, 

Learn to labor and to wait. — Longfellow. . 



* American Turners participating in any gymnastic or 
athletic event are recognized by the emblem on their gym- 
nasts' shirts. 

It ought to be emphasized that the Turners never tolerate 
professional gymnasts to participate in any Turner events. 
Participants must be members of the Society and must not 
practice gymnastics or athletics for pecuniary gain. 

Honor prizes for excellence in any branch of gymnastic 
exercises are given and strenuously contested for. Pecuniary 
prizes or prizes of great pecuniary value are discouraged and 
frowned upon. 

Page Twenty-three 



APPENDIX. 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES 

of the 

AMERICAN GYMNASTIC UNION 



The American Gymnastic Union is a federation of statement 



Purposes. 



Our Fnitli 
in the 
U. S. 



gymnastic societies of the United States of America, 
organized for the purpose of furthering physical 
education and disseminating rational opinions and 
ideas, the realization of which, according to scientific 
knowledge and experience, may be assumed to advance 
the physical, moral, intellectual and material welfare 
of mankind. 

We, the members of this Union, believe in the 
United States of America as a democracy in a repub- 
lic established upon the principles of freedom, equality, 
justice and humanity, and recognize in the harmonious 
education of body and mind one of the most important 
prerequisites for preserving and perfecting this democ- 
racy. 

It is the principal duty of our societies to provide burner* 
courses in physical education for adults and juveniles, societies. 
based upon rational principles, and further to promote 
their intellectual and moral welfare by maintaining 
suitable schools and providing for instructive lectures 
and debates. Through this we expect the participants 
to attain that efficiency which will enable them at all 
times to fully perform their duties as citizens and to 
enjoy life in its various phases with appreciation and 
moderation. 

Page Tzventy-five 



Freedom of 

Conscience, 



Human 
Society and 
State. 



Labor and 
Capital. 



Opportunity 
for All. 



In matters of religion and conscience we demand 
freedom in the broadest sense. We strive for the dis- 
semination of a philosophy based on knowledge of 
natural forces and their effects. Believing in the well- 
established American principle of complete separation 
of state and church, we resent interference on the part 
of religious organizations in matters of state. 

Human society is a living organism, growing and 
developing steadily in its essence and form. The state, 
whatever its form may be at any given time, with all 
its institutions, laws, rights and duties, is only one 
phase in the progressing development of human so- 
ciety. The steadily growing security and equality of 
rights, as well as the growth of influence and power 
of the masses of the people, indicate progress in its 
political institutions. If economic conditions are such 
as to produce extremes like the millionaire and the 
pauper, the centralization of political power in certain 
classes becomes inevitable. For these reasons we en- 
dorse efforts tending to equalize conditions in our eco- 
nomic life. 

We favor social institutions and legal enactments 
which will check the exploitation of labor by capital; 
have a tendency to secure to the worker the fruits of 
his labor; prevent wrongs and injustice in the struggles 
between capital and labor and give the development 
of our economic conditions a direction toward abolition 
of all class dectinctions. 

Greater esteem of human life is essential for the 
welfare of man. We strive for better protection of 
the citizen and a valuation of life higher than property. 

Opportunity must at all times be afforded every 
human being to secure for himself, by application of 
his mental and physical labor, a dignified and worthy 
livelihood in accordance with the existing state of 
civilization, and likewise to share in the manifold 
achievements of past centuries. Such opportunity 
should be recognized not merely as a moral right, but 
should be secured by positive legal enactments. We, 

Page Twenty -six 



Intellectual 
Elevation, 



therefore, favor direct participation of the people in Government 
matters of legislation and the establishment of the People. 
most comprehensive democratic means for political 
activity. 

The greater and more extensive the rights of the 
people and the more use they make of these rights, 
the greater, in proportion, will be the necessity of a 
clear understanding of cause and effect in human so- 
ciety, and of the social and economic needs of the 
people. We, therefore, hold that the state, represent; 
ing the whole people, has the duty to further the in- 
tellectual elevation of all by perfecting our school sys- 
tems and supporting free scientific research. 

History evidences the gradual growth of the supre- 
macy of right over might in the relations between in- 
dividuals as well as between states and nations. In 
our opinion the time is ripe for a wider application of 
this principle. For this reason we favor the settlement 
of international disputes by judicial proceedings and 
the support of all endeavors toward the elimination of 
conflicts between nations and toward a harmonious 
organization of mankind. 

We are not a political party, obligating its members No * » 
to any definite demands, but we expect them always pSrtyf*' 
to live, strive and conduct themselves as men and citi- 
zens in accord with a philosophy whose fundamental 
principles are laid down in the above declaration. 



Inter- 
national 
Conciliation. 



Page Twenty-seven 



APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP 

AMERICAN GYMNASTIC UNION 



I hereby apply for membership in the 



and promise strictly to observe the General Principles and Statutes 
of the American Gymnastic Union as well as the Statutes of the 



.District, and those of the above society. 



Signature of applicant 

Proposed and recommended for membership by 

Signature of proposing member 

City 

Date 19 

Name 

Address 

Occupation 

Place of birth? 

Date of birth? 

Date of arrival in the United States? 

Citizen of the United States? 

If not a citizen, has application for citizenship been made ? 

Have you been a member of the A. G. U. before? 

Do you intend to take part in gymnastic work? 

Married? 

Names and age of children: 



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